Panel finds ‘proof’ of cash at Justice Varma’s home after fire, recommends removal

New Delhi: A Supreme Court-appointed panel has found serious misconduct by Justice Yashwant Varma, following a fire incident at his official residence earlier this year.

The three-judge inquiry committee, constituted to probe the mysterious blaze at Justice Varma’s Delhi residence in March, has concluded that piles of half-burnt ₹500 notes found at the site raise major concerns over unaccounted cash. The committee submitted a 64-page report to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, detailing findings that point to gross misconduct and potential criminality.

Burnt currency and cover-up allegations

The fire, which broke out late on the night of March 14, reportedly spread to a storeroom on the judge's premises. Witnesses, including firefighters, revealed they found large amounts of half-burnt currency in ₹500 denominations. One witness recounted, “As I entered, I noticed on the right-hand side and in front, there was a large pile of cash of ₹500 notes lying on the floor. I was shocked and surprised… I saw this for the first time in my life.”

The panel concluded that such large volumes of high-denomination currency could not have been present without the knowledge or consent of Justice Varma or his immediate family.

Further suspicion was raised by allegations that Rajinder Karki, Justice Varma’s private secretary, and the judge’s daughter, Diya Varma, urged firefighters not to mention the presence of the cash. The committee noted attempts to suppress evidence and interfere with the post-fire investigation.

Findings of serious misconduct

The panel, after interviewing 55 witnesses and examining Justice Varma himself, stated, “The misconduct found proved is serious enough to call for initiation of proceedings for removal of Justice Yashwant Varma.”

In a firm conclusion, the committee recommended impeachment, citing "sufficient substance in the allegations raised by the then Chief Justice of India (Justice Sanjiv Kumar)" and stating that the integrity of judicial office had been compromised.

Justice Varma has denied any wrongdoing, claiming neither he nor his family had knowledge of the cash. He stated that the room where the burnt notes were found was separate from the main house and accessible to others on the property.